New Nursing Leader Named to Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ, RWJBarnabas Health

On Nov 1, 2019

Reaffirming its commitment to continued growth and excellence, and following a national search, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health welcomed Carolyn Hayes, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, as the new chief nursing officer, RWJBarnabas, Oncology Services and Rutgers Cancer Institute. In these roles, she will be responsible for and have oversight of nursing at Rutgers Cancer Institute and oncology service line-related nursing across RWJBarnabas Health, ensuring nursing excellence throughout an integrated cancer care model.

Dr. Hayes also holds a faculty appointment as an associate professor in the Division of Nursing Science at Rutgers School of Nursing. She most recently served as president and executive director of the Greater Boston Nursing Collective, a cooperative organization devoted to advancing the research, teaching, practice and leadership of integrative nursing.  Her clinical leadership roles have included serving as associate chief of oncology, medical and integrative nursing, as well as associate chief of adult inpatient and integrative oncology nursing at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Hayes has vast experience in ensuring the continuity of care across the ambulatory and acute care continuum for oncology patients in unique collaborative settings, including those that bring together a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and large health care system in an academic setting. As a nursing leader, Hayes also secured and served as a principal investigator on a more than $4 million philanthropic gift specific to integrative nursing.

Along with having overseen the expansion of inpatient oncology services and having co-created an intensive palliative care unit while in previous positions, Hayes also was instrumental designing, implementing and evaluating clinical programs and projects in both ambulatory and inpatient care environments.

“Nursing leadership requires more than advanced clinical expertise. Throughout her career, Dr. Hayes has demonstrated success not only in the development and management of comprehensive patient care, but in the areas of nursing philanthropy, research and teaching as well,” shares Rutgers Cancer Institute Director Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, who is also senior vice president of oncology services for RWJBarnabas Health. “Her vast knowledge of the unique, collaborative relationship between an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a large health care system will enhance the position of Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health as a leading oncology authority in our state and region. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hayes to our team.”

“With advances in technology and knowledge, the delivery of oncology nursing is continually changing – but the philosophy of our profession remains the same: ensuring optimal delivery of patient care. In my new roles at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health, I am excited to develop and bring forth opportunities to enhance the development and education of those on our nursing team so that they are best prepared to contribute to the patient experience and outcomes expected of our profession,” notes Hayes.

A member of the American Nurses Association and other professional organizations, Hayes is also an advocate of mentoring and professional development for oncology nurses to advance evidence-based practice. Hayes also presents regularly at national and international nursing and research conferences and is the author of numerous publications including book chapters addressing the nursing profession.

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